Rules and Regulations

AIM and DISTANCE

The goal is different for the participants, from challenging themselves, preparing for the Iron Man competition, intense training to the search for special experiences and collecting achievements.
There are several distances starting from Tallinn Bay and ending at Pirita public beach:

Folk distance - 500 m
Folk distance - 1 km
Competition distance – 1.9 km
Competition distance – 3.8 km

Sportland Tallinn Open Water starts take place by jumping from the ship into the sea (approx. 1.5 m above the water surface). The ship picks up the competitors from Miiduranna port (5 km from Pirita towards Viimsi center).
Paid (€5) transport from the Pirita competition center to the port of Miiduranna is guaranteed. You can pay for the transport and reserve a seat on the bus with registration or on the spot at the information desk of the competition center (if seats are available). Access to the bus is based on the list of names. Entry to the ship is included in the entry fee.

NB! The departure of the ship from the port of Miiduranna is due to the large draft of the ship being towed. In 2024, the participants have a unique and extraordinary opportunity to take off from the flagship of the Estonian Navy "General Kurvits".

COMPETITION CENTER AND START

• The competition center and the distribution of starting materials and equipment is located behind the Pirita Surf Club (Jõesuu tee 7). The competition center is open from 11:00 to 2:00.
• We ask all competitors to be there before 12:00 in order to familiarize themselves with the rules and documents. Official briefing at 12:20, followed by equipment checks etc.
• The ordered bus departs from the competition center to the port of Miiduranna at 1:30 p.m. If more than 50 people join the ordered transport, there will be 2 consecutive trips.
• The starting materials can be received by presenting a valid ID.
• The ship departs at 14:00 from the port of Miiduranna (pier no. 4): the first start is given 500 m from the beach, the second start 1 km from the beach, the third start 1.9 km from the beach and the fourth start 3.8 km from the beach. The start of the participants takes place as a joint start from the water, before which the participant jumps into the water from the ship (approx. 1.5 m above the water surface). The signal for the start when all the participants reach the water is a sound signal.
• We ask the faster competitors to move forward in the water, and those completing the challenge calmly move backwards.
• Be polite at the start and considerate of other participants when jumping into the water. The participant must take into account the possibility that after the start, collisions in the water may occur due to carelessness. Each participant is responsible for his own behavior in the water, towards himself and other participants.
• The organizer recommends using a calypso (for competition distances) to cross the Tallinn Bay, but you can also participate without one.
• The way of swimming is free - you have 3 hours to reach the finish line, starting from the last, fourth, start.
• At the finish, the participant's timing closes under the finish gate, crossing the timing mats - the time also continues when leaving the water until you pass the finish gate.
• The participant confirms the necessary swimming skills and sufficient physical ability to complete the course - all participants are obliged to read and sign the "Declaration of Health Status/Confirmation of Acceptance of Rules and Dangers and Risks" prior to the start. The form will be filled out on site, before the start materials are issued.

SAFETY

• The safety of the participants is the organizer's first priority, therefore the organizer reserves the right to postpone or cancel the competition in case of unsuitable weather conditions.
• The organizer has the right to move participants to other distances due to weather conditions (wind, wave height, etc.) (e.g. from 3.8 km to 1.8 km or 1 km). The organizer considers all decisions carefully, coordinating their activities with the marine rescue units and medical team.
• The organizer also has the right to cancel starts while the competitors are on board (suddenly changed conditions at sea).
• The start can be postponed within the same day or to another day. Any postponement of the start or cancellation of the event will be treated according to the Force Majeure conditions. In case of postponement, the participant will not be compensated. In case of cancellation, 50% of the participation fee will be returned to the participant, no later than within 2 weeks of the event that was supposed to take place. There are no refunds in case of shortening the distances.
• In case of blue-green algae or other pollution, the organizer will make a decision regarding the possibility of a start, in consultation with representatives of the Health Board. Also in the case of blue-green algae etc. pollution, it will be treated according to the conditions of Force Majeure.
• All decisions regarding postponing or canceling the event are made as soon as possible and based on current conditions (conditions at sea can change in minutes).
• For security reasons, the event has a maximum number of participants.

MOVEMENT IN WATER

• Participants are allowed to participate in competition distances from 18 years of age (except swimmers licensed by the Estonian Swimming Association and participants with written parental consent) and in public distances from 14 years of age. Those younger than 18 years old need parental consent (except swimmers licensed by the Estonian Swimming Association and participants with written parental consent).
• Glasses, mask, hat, socks are allowed. Flip flops, gloves and other aids for movement are prohibited. Headphones are prohibited.
• A personal accompanying boat (kayak, rowing boat, etc.) is allowed upon registration and briefing at the competition center. The participant is allowed to get help (food, water) from the escort boat while covering the distance and to rest while holding onto the boat, but it is forbidden to use the escort boat to gain an advantage when moving forward. Motorized watercraft as escort boats are not permitted. The escort(s) are obliged to wear a life jacket.
• Personal escort boats can be launched from the Pirita pier (also landing at the pier, not the beach).
• The responsibility of the security guards on the accompanying boat is to ensure the safety of the swimmers and not to interfere with the participants' completion of the distance! Keep a sufficient distance next to the swimming path, not between swimmers.
• The accompanying boat will be issued with a goodiebag and an accompanying whistle from the information desk (the whistle can be used to inform maritime rescue units - to call for help)
• The organizer has the right at any time to remove the participant from the water for safety reasons or for violation of the rules, or to direct the accompanying boats to the beach.

NB! In case of violation of the rules, the participant will not be allowed to start or the participant will be disqualified (in case of a violation on the track) at the finish (no medal will be issued and the result will not be recorded).

AWARDS

• The three best overall women's and men's finishers at the competition distances (1.9 km and 3.8 km) are recognized with trophies and cash prizes (1st place - 250€; 2nd place - 150€ and 3rd place - 100€).

HOW TO ACT IN AN EMERGENCY

• Each participant is obliged to wear a personal buoy when completing the distance.
• The buoy is equipped with a whistle. A buoy is not a lifesaving device, but it is helpful in mitigating risks.
• If you see someone in need of help in the water, report it to the sea rescue teams who escort swimmers - you can do this by resting on the buoy, blowing the whistle and raising your hand.
• If you get tired, have cramps, etc. - you can rest on the buoy. Moving forward on the buoy is prohibited. If you feel that the obstacle or health problem is serious - blow the whistle and raise your hands until the rescue team reaches you. STOPPING AND CALLING FOR HELP IS NOT SHAMEFUL! You are strong and powerful right from the start.
• In case of unforeseen circumstances, keep a calm mind and avoid panic. Use buoys, whistle, raise your hands and wait for help. There are several boats with lifesaving capabilities in the distance.
• Medical first aid is provided by the organizer at the finish.

AFTER THE FINISH

• The finish marker is a red finish gate.
• Go through the finish gate and proceed calmly in the direction indicated by the judges - follow the instructions.
• Followed by: handover of the buoy, handover of the electronic chip, awarding of the medal, a goodiebag and photographing.
• Participants can use the outdoor toilets and changing rooms at the Pirita beach area - there are organizers' tents at the finish area to get dressed.